Published: October 19, 1991

A Roman Catholic citizens group said in the complaint that the depiction of a collar- wearing priest kissing a nun in full habit on the mouth was "a particularly serious offense to Catholics."

The Advertising Verification Office, an ad industry watchdog group, also criticized the poster, saying it "went against generally accepted beliefs." The office is not empowered to ban the poster, but can recommend its removal.

The court ruled the advertisement did not constitute an act that could be characterized as anti-Christian.

Benetton declined comment on the complaints about the ad campaign, which is scheduled to conclude Monday.